Harry Melges III

Harry Melges, III is the son of Harry C. ‘Buddy’ Melges, Jr., and grandson
of Melges Boat Works' founder Harry C. Melges, Sr. At a young age, Harry
knew that sailing would be his life. He was hooked almost immediately on
building, sailing and designing boats. At the age of nine, he built his
first sailboat, and he and his younger brother Hans won their first
championship together. Part of growing up also meant learning about the
family boat-building business. He worked his way from sweeping floors at
the age of eight to physically building the boats in the factory as he grew
older — carefully studying how to construct a boat from start to finish,
delivering them to customers, tuning, and racing each one.

For Harry, building boats and designing sails means being out on the
water attempting to find the perfect configuration and fastest sail
shape. This lifelong endeavor not only has made him one of the
finest businessmen in the sailing industry, but also one of its most
experienced and acknowledged competitors. Having practically sailed from
the time he was born, he is one of the toughest, yet well-respected
competitors in the sport of sailing.

“The future of the sport of sailing is definitely one design. It’s the
grass roots of this sport, and I believe it will always be its strength.
It is a proving ground for young sailors; it brings out the best in
everyone,” says Melges. “One design feeds all other aspects of the sport.
Our goal at Melges is to continue to simplify, improve and grow our
family of products. This will encourage sailors of all ages and
skill levels to have fun and enjoy sailing.”